Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 14: The Department of Posts has announced the resumption of all categories of international postal services to the United States starting October 15, bringing relief to exporters and businesses after a nearly two-month suspension.

Services had been halted following a U.S. Executive Order (14324) issued earlier in August 2025, which revoked the "de minimis" exemption on postal imports from India. This move required compliance with stricter customs duty collection and remittance protocols under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

To meet these new standards, India Post has now implemented a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism, allowing customs duties to be collected upfront in India at the time of booking. The duties are then directly remitted to CBP via CBP-approved Qualified Parties, ensuring smooth customs clearance and timely deliveries in the U.S.

Under the CBP’s revised rules, a flat 50% duty on the declared FOB (Free on Board) value is applied to all postal shipments from India to the U.S., under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Unlike commercial consignments, no additional product-specific duties are imposed, making postal delivery a cost-effective option for MSMEs, artisans, small traders, and e-commerce exporters.

Importantly, India Post will not charge any extra fees for facilitating DDP compliance or engaging Qualified Parties. Existing postal tariffs remain unchanged, reinforcing the government’s aim to keep international logistics affordable while ensuring adherence to U.S. import norms.

All categories of mail — including EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters/Packets, and Tracked Packets — can now be booked to the U.S. from any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), or via the India Post portal (www.indiapost.gov.in).

The department has also instructed regional postal heads to initiate awareness campaigns among exporters and small businesses to promote usage of the postal export channel under initiatives like Make in India, One District One Product (ODOP), and Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras.

India Post hailed the move as a major milestone in strengthening India’s international logistics network and boosting export readiness, especially for smaller players seeking global market access without complex compliance burdens.

With the new DDP framework, senders can now benefit from transparent pricing, predictable delivery timelines, and zero surprise duties at the receiving end — significantly enhancing customer experience and trust in cross-border trade.